Shopping & Services

Total of $2,011,991 Raised During Spring Campaign With More Than $102,000 Benefiting Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Jacksonville, FL (July 26, 2011)—Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® today announced that Publix Super Markets has raised $20 million for children’s hospitals since 1992. Of the total raised in 2011, more than $102,000 has directly benefited Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Some anxious retailers are jumping the gun to get shoppers' attention extra early. With good reason: Last year consumers spent more than $55 billion on back-to-school shopping, the National Retail Federation says. Many retailers are still nervous about consumer spending in a topsy-turvy economy.

That's one reason why Toys R Us' "Pack to School" sale on backpacks and lunchboxes started as early as July 1 in some parts of the country.

The historic Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach has opened their Penthouse Lounge with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean for lunch service. Lunch is now available 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Previously the lounge opened at 4 p.m. for cocktails and appetizers.

Chef Aaron Webb has designed a New Beach Cuisine menu for the penthouse luncheon that includes appetizers such as polenta sticks, salads including a goat cheese salad, sandwiches such as the chicken caesar wrap in herb tortilla and the mahi calypso. Sandwich prices start at $7.95 and entrees start at $11.95.

Average retail gasoline prices in Jacksonville have risen 2.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.02/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 1.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.05/g, according to gasoline price website JacksonvilleGasPrices.com.

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. announced it launched a smartphone application that will help customers find their closest Winn-Dixie, allow them to view the weekly circular and sales for that specific store, and create and manage shopping lists that both sync with computers and can be shared with other users. The easy-to-use app for Apple’s iPhone and Android smart phones is available as a free download through Apple Inc.’s iTunes, the Android Market or through links on Winn-Dixie’s website at http://www.winndixie.com/Mobile/apps.

Holiday shoppers and families are invited to make merry with a full day of free festivities at St. Johns Town Center, culminating with a spectacular tree lighting and fireworks show. Retailers will also offer great holiday shopping opportunities, in-store promotions and specials.